@JayeTee
IF the important Updates to which you refer are HP Updates,
If you are using HP Support Assistant to manage / install these updates,
Then
The following might be helpful.
HP Support Assistant - Remove and Install
The "complete cleanup" option described below uninstalls the existing version of the HP Support Assistant and its companion software, HP Support Solutions Framework. After that, a new, fresh copy of the HP Support Assistant can be installed (which will auto-install the HP Support Solutions Framework software).
Procedure Details - HP Support Assistant – Remove and Install
Read sections, then decide if / how to proceed.
There are settings to allow you to have the HPSA on the system without it updating your software "out from under you". These settings allow you to use HPSA on your terms.
IMPORTANT
If the problem is related to a corrupted database within the control of the HPSA, the "cleanup" and reinstallation of the HP Support Assistant software may help resolve any issue(s).
Cleanup and installation may fix general issues, primarily those having to do with a corrupted HPSA database on the client system.
Removal and (Re)Installation does not fix actual errors. For example,
- HPSA cannot handle package error conditions. For example, HPSA cannot fix an error in the installation package itself.
- HPSA cannot understand – and therefore cannot correct - undefined error conditions. For example, the program code does not include instructions “every” type of error.
- HPSA has been reported on occasion to install the BIOS and then have issues with the installation itself or become tangled in the process of rebooting / completing the BIOS installation. The obvious takeaway for IT professionals (and everyone else for that matter) is to always manage and update the BIOS as a separate, manually installed update (Download, Save, Install).
- HPSA is an Update only software - it cannot, for example, search out updates for software that is not already installed on the computer.
- HPSA might suggest an update that is not the same as that which is available in the computer's own Software and Drivers Website Support pages.
If there is a problem in the Windows File system,
Then
- The reinstallation procedure will likely make no difference to the results.
Reminder – Manually Update the BIOS
How to install BIOS Updates:
Always connect the computer to AC Power and leave the power connected during the entire BIOS update procedure.
Select the option to manually install the BIOS update.
HP Notebook PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
HP Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
Open HPSA Software
Settings > Set to “Notify” as opposed to “Auto-Update”
Save Changes > Restart the computer and log in
Open HPSA
Check for Updates > Use the list to determine candidates for update
- Click on each update in the list to see a short description of that package
- If BIOS is offered, simply set to “ignore” or otherwise remove this update from list of potential updates
- If desired: Install other HP software and updates using HPSA or manually install those updates
Check Current BIOS version
Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > System Information
System Summary - Check the information next to BIOS Version / Date
“Regular” Uninstall - Remove the existing version of HPSA
Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
Scroll down, find, Uninstall the HP Support Assistant
After the uninstall is completed, Restart the computer and log in
NOTE: If the software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.
Microsoft: Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed
OR
“Complete Cleanup” Uninstall of HPSA and companion software
If you are having problems installing your HP Updates using the HP Support Assistant, use "complete cleanup” steps to remove and then reinstall the HP Support Assistant.
NOTE: Before you start here, it is best that your Windows Updates are already current and installed.
Essentially, the "Complete Cleanup" simply means that you uninstall HPSA > Restart > Uninstall the HP Support Solutions Framework > Restart > Download and install a fresh copy of the HPSA software > Restart
- FIRST uninstall the HP Support Assistant
Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
Scroll down, find, Uninstall the HP Support Assistant
After the uninstall is completed, Restart the computer and log in
Important: When / If asked whether you want to save any presets / personal HPSA information, respond to have your personal data associated with the program removed along with the HPSA software. Framework will (re)install if / when the HPSA is installed.
NOTE: If the software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.
Microsoft: Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed
- Restart the computer and log in
- Uninstall HP Support Solutions Framework software from Programs and Features
NOTE: HP Support Solutions Framework is a subset of HPSA. For this reason, HPSA must be uninstalled before the Solutions Framework can be removed.
- Restart the computer and log in.
Final Check – Software is Removed
- After the software is uninstalled (and the computer is Restarted), check to ensure the software is actually “gone”.
Settings > Apps > Apps & features >
Scroll down the list, look for HP Support Assistant (and / or HP Support Solutions Framework)
If the stubborn software is found in the list, click to uninstall it, Restart and log in.
Installation – HP Support Assistant
Download, Save, Install the latest supported HP version of the HP Support Assistant
Website / Download
HP Support Assistant
- After download: If you have ‘Admin’ control, you may highlight the package and “double-click” to install it, else Right-Click, select run as Administrator
- After the software is installed: Restart the computer and log in
Optional - After the software is installed, PIN the program to your Windows Start Screen
Windows key (Start) > list "All apps" > open category "H"
Click open category HP Help and Support
Right-Click on HP Support Assistant > PIN to Start
Help and Troubleshooting for HPSA
READ: Get help and Learn about the HPSA software
HP PCs - Using HP Support Assistant (Windows 10, 8, 7)
HP PCs - Troubleshooting HP Support Assistant - Windows 8.x and Windows 10
Nothing Works…
If the reinstallation of the HPSA / Solution software does not resolve the problem,
Or
if you decide for any reason to not use the HPSA to install the software,
Then
Download and install your HP Software and Drivers manually.
Help / How-to: HP PCs - Downloading or Updating Software and Drivers
Section: Find driver updates on the HP website
Example
Open Support Home
Enter the name of your device
Select category Software, Drivers & Firmware
Open All > Peruse the list > Select, download, save, install Updates
Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.
We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.
Kind Regards,
Dragon-Fur
